You may be wondering does water have calories? A lot of people are curious about whether water has calories. The answer is yes, water does have calories.
However, the amount of calories in water is negligible and does not contribute significantly to weight gain.
In this article, we will discuss how many calories are in different types of water and how much water intake is recommended for optimal health. We will also explore some reasons why drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight!
Calories in Different Types of Water
While all water does have calories, the type of water you drink can make a difference. Let’s have a look at the same.
1. Plain Water
Water is calorie-free. Your diet includes three nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Although alcohol is not a nutrient, it does contribute calories to your diet. Because these nutrients are absent from plain water, it has no calories.
It is, nevertheless, rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium, salt, zinc, and copper. In fact, research revealed that consuming 68 ounces (2 liters) of water each day might aid calcium and magnesium absorption by 8–16% and 6–31%, respectively.
Fluoride is used in the United States to prevent tooth decay.
2. Carbonated Water
Carbonated water, often called seltzer, sparkling water, or tonic water is made out of carbonic acid produced by the decomposition of dissolved carbon dioxide. It’s what gives fizzy beverages their fizz and zing.
The terms “carbonated water” and “sparkling water” are used interchangeably. Plain carbonated waters without additional flavor or minerals, on the other hand, are referred to as “fizzy water.” While these sorts are usually calorie-free, the tonic is often sweetened with sugar.
The sugar content of tonic water is dependent on the brand, as well as how much ice is used to make up a serving.
As a result, a 12-ounce (355-ml) bottle of tonic water might contain 124 calories and 32 grams of additional sugar, although the amounts may vary by manufacturer. Diet versions of tonic water, on the other hand, are calorie-free.
3. Fruity Flavor Water
Fruit-infused or fruit-flavored waters are made by combining fresh herbs and sliced fruits with water in a jar for several hours. Blueberry and mango, cucumber and orange, watermelon and mint, and so on are some of the most popular combinations.
You might take these waters together with fruit to enhance the nutritional value. Even if you eat the fruit after drinking the water, you will only absorb a little number of calories from it because you won’t find many calories in fruits.
Furthermore, as vitamins dissolve in water, they may leech into the water from the fruits, providing extra nutrients.
Another common drink is lemon water, which is prepared with water and fresh lemon juice for taste. Each lemon contains just 11 calories in its juice.
Fruit-flavored store-bought water, on the other hand, maybe sweetened with sugar or fruit concentrates and have more calories. As a result, it’s better to look at the nutrition facts on the packaging before purchasing.
4. Protein Water
Protein water is made from whey protein isolate, a high-protein ingredient that contains no carbohydrates. These beverages have grown in popularity as individuals seek for easier strategies to boost their protein consumption.
Protein appears to play an important part in healthy aging, immunity health, and weight management.
Protein waters, which are low in calories and high in protein, are excellent substitutes for traditional protein shakes.
Protein water products have a calorie count of 70–90 per bottle and 15–20 grams of protein per serving. They’re usually sweetened with natural flavors or stevia-based sweeteners.
How Much Water Intake is Enough?
We discussed the “does water have calories?” part. Let’s now discuss how much is sufficient for you.
There is no set amount of water that is recommended each day. Your personal requirements are determined by your location, level of activity, diet, body size, and age.
Nonetheless, the National Academy of Medicine established the following broad guideline for daily water consumption for women to be 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of total water per day and for men to be 125 ounces (3.7 liters) of total water per day.
Keep in mind that these guidelines apply to all drinks and meals.
Water makes up around 80% of people’s overall water intake, with the remaining 20% coming from food. Fruits and vegetables high in water include watermelon, melon, grapes, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Reasons Why Water Can Help You Lose Weight
It may sound weird but it’s true, water can help you directly and indirectly in losing weight. Let’s see how exactly.
1. Appetite Suppressant
When the stomach senses fullness, it communicates with the brain to cease eating. Water can help to fill up the stomach and reduce hunger by taking up room in there.
When a person believes they are hungry but actually thirsts, they may be dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water before grabbing anything to eat may assist with unwanted snacking.
2. Fat Burn
The body cannot metabolize stored fat or carbohydrates properly without water. Lipolysis is the process of metabolizing fat.
Hydrolysis, the first step in this process, occurs when water molecules join with triglycerides (fats) to generate glycerol and fatty acids as a result of hydration.
Drinking sufficient water is critical for getting rid of fat from food and liquid, as well as stored fat.
3. Increased Calorie Burning
Research revealed that drinking 500 mL of cold and room temperature water increased energy expenditure in 12 people. In the 90 minutes after drinking the water, they burned between 2 and 3 percent more calories than normal.
Water may cause a temporary boost in resting energy expenditure, or the number of calories burned while sitting, according to studies.
4. Workouts
Exercising is one of the most crucial components of any weight-reduction plan. Water aids in the correct functioning of muscles, connective tissues, and joints.
It also aids in the efficient operation of the lungs, heart, and other organs as they become more active during exercise.
Water helps you work out harder by ensuring that your muscles are properly hydrated. By drinking water before, during, and after exercise, you can minimize dehydration.
It’s critical to keep water on hand, especially if you’re working out in hot, humid weather or when the sun is shining brightly.
5. Waste Removal
When the body is dehydrated, it is unable to properly eliminate waste such as urine or feces. Water aids the kidneys in removing pollutants and waste while retaining important minerals and electrolytes.
The kidneys retain fluid when the body is dehydrated. Dehydration can cause hard or lumpy stools as well as constipation. By softening or loosening hardened feces, water assists with the movement of waste.
Water has several benefits for the body. It helps the body recover from digestive issues such as diarrhea and indigestion. People may feel bloated, swollen, and tired when waste builds up in their bodies.
Bloating can cause a person’s waistline to expand. Water consumption is one of the most important ways to avoid retaining waste, which can lead to a few extra pounds over time.
Conclusion
Water is essential for the proper functioning of all systems in the body. It aids in digestion, waste removal, and calorie burning. Plus, we got to know that calorie count is different in different types of water. Drinking enough water may help people to lose weight by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, and improving exercise performance. Water is a calorie-free way to feel fuller and more satisfied throughout the day. It may also help to reduce bloating and water retention.
FAQs
What kind of water has calories?
There are no calories in water, but some types of water may have added calories. For example, sparkling water or mineral water may have calories from the added carbonation or minerals.
Similarly, flavored waters may have calories from the added flavors. It’s important to check the label to see how many calories are in your water before you drink it.
How much water should I drink a day?
Most health organizations recommend that adults drink eight glasses of water per day. This is equivalent to 64 ounces or two liters.
However, this amount may vary depending on your activity level, age, and other factors.
Are there any other benefits of drinking water?
Yes! In addition to helping with weight loss, water has many other benefits.
It helps to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, it can improve your mood and mental health, and it can even help to prevent headaches. Drinking enough water is essential for overall good health.
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